Seniors,

May 1st is typically decision day – the date when students must tell colleges whether they plan to attend.  Some colleges have a deadline of June 1st, but May 1st is the most common.  Assuming you’ve decided on a college, double-check that you’ve confirmed your attendance by the required means; typically, this involves sending a deposit.

This decision date is most important for selective colleges (which have waiting lists), but non-selective colleges may give your scholarships away if you haven’t confirmed.  

Even this date isn’t the end; you can still apply late to many colleges or change your mind.  This would be on a space-available basis, and sometimes with minimal financial aid.  We’ve had students who have changed their minds a few weeks before school starts, and it can work out.  However, it is undoubtedly easier to make up your mind sooner.